Those more confident gamblers might have more than 2.5 goals per game or both teams to score, rather more interesting than a simple win or lose scenario, but no less lucrative. As people’s betting habits shift and change, surely punters should be looking to the continent for their kicks. Where better than the Bundesliga? 

The German top flight is considered by UEFA to be the second-strongest division in Europe, after the Premier League. Many of our youngsters are making their way over there to take a shot at success, but it is a fan-led division that many cite as an example of how things should be done. Not only that, it’s a thrill fest with lots of great football and plenty for the English punter to buy into. 

Allianz Arena by Patrick Huebgen (Public Domain) 

For a start, there’s plenty of goal in Germany and goals are the currency of football. The average goals per game in 2016/17 reached a crescendo of 2.86, making it the third most goal-laden competition in Europe. To make it even more exciting, that was the third-lowest average in the last 55 years. 

With over 2.5 goals being the norm, the key is picking the low scoring teams out of the division might be where the big wins lie. I’m sure British gamblers would have more fun deciding if Wolfsburg and Leipzig will have six goals in it than trying to second guess if anyone will notch in the Stoke v West Brom encounter. 

Another big consideration is the number of late goals scored in the competition, the games are never over after an hour in Germany.  Last season alone, almost 25% of all the goals scored were in the final fifteen minutes. It might set your heart aflutter if there’s a heavy cash-out available, but for late thrills and spills, you need to focus on the German league. 

Home form in Germany is also something to consider. Thanks to fan-friendly pricing, the German stadiums tend to be packed out leading to incredible atmospheres. This almost always benefits the home side and last year, 48% of the matches ended in a victory for the home team. So there you go, if you’re looking for a flutter this weekend pick the home teams to win, both teams to score and if you dare, plenty of late goals! 

In terms of other Bundesliga betting, the outright winner isn’t a market to be dabbled in this season. The campaign will almost certainly belong to Bayern Munich, runaway leaders and certain champions. There’s still some tasty betting to be had on who might win without Munich; Borussia Dortmund are favourites but Schalke and Leverkusen are also well-priced. 

Understanding the German market is something that all self-respecting English betting fans should make a priority, if only to add some spice and unpredictability to those match day accumulators. With late goals and much tighter matches, it promises better odds and much more choice when trying to pick the surprise results. Trust me, you’re better off having your money on Leipzig or Hannover than you are on yet another Manchester City win.